Green beans, also known as string, snap or French beans, have been ranked among the world's healthiest vegetables, offering cholesterol-lowering benefits at a cost of just 85p per bag from Aldi or Tesco.
Nutritional Powerhouse
According to a BBC list ranking the world's healthiest foods, green beans placed 73rd with a nutritional score of 54 out of 100. The vegetable is rich in saponins, compounds thought to reduce cholesterol levels, as reported by Surrey Live.
WebMD notes that green beans are packed with fiber, which may help boost heart health by reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol. They also contain antioxidants including vitamin C, flavonols, quercetin, and kaempferol.
Daily Nutrient Intake
A single cup of fresh green beans provides approximately 25% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, around 15% of vitamin A, and 33% of folate. The vegetable is also a good source of vitamin K, silicon, and manganese.
The top-placed vegetable overall was Swiss chard, coming in seventh on the BBC's list. Three different species of fish also featured in the top 10, with ocean perch ranking third overall as a deep-water species rich in protein and low in saturated fats, followed by flat fish.
Green beans are a popular side dish in the UK, often accompanying pies, meat, and fish. Shoppers can find them fresh or frozen, with Aldi and Tesco offering bags for 85p.
